The Lakers and Timberwolves both expected to be playoff teams this year, but injuries and chemistry issues have contributed to their sub-.500 seasons so far. Alex Lee polled readers this week on whether the T-Wolves will make a pre-deadline trade, while Daniel Seco asked the same question about the Lakers.

With NBA teams assigning and recalling players from their D-League affiliates at a record pace, I looked at a few young players on NBA rosters who are making an impact for D-League teams this season.

Going forward, Zach Links' weekly Hoops Links feature, which rounds up the best of the basketball blogosphere, will appear on Sundays, rather than Saturdays. This week's installment included multiple pieces on the big Rudy Gay trade.

I fielded plenty of trade-related questions in my weekly chat on Thursday afternoon. You can check out the transcript right here.

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